10 Simple Scripture Journaling Ideas for Beginners
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Scripture journaling doesn’t need to be complicated.
You don’t need beautiful handwriting, an elaborate color-coding system, or an expensive journal. You simply need a place to record what you’re learning and the impressions that come as you study.
If you’ve wanted to start scripture journaling but weren’t sure what to write, here are ten simple ideas.
1. Write Down One Verse That Stands Out
Start with the simplest approach.
As you read, choose one verse that catches your attention and write it in your journal.
Then underneath it, write a sentence or two about why you noticed it.
Sometimes that’s all you need.
2. Write What You Learn About Jesus Christ
As you study, ask:
What does this teach me about Jesus Christ?
You might notice something about His character, His teachings, His love, or the way He treats people.
Write it down.
Over time, your journal can become a beautiful record of what you are learning about the Savior.
3. Turn a Scripture Into a Question
When a verse makes you think, turn that thought into a question.
For example:
What would it look like for me to trust God more?
How can I become more patient?
What is the Lord asking me to change?
You don't have to answer the question immediately. Sometimes a question can guide several days of study.
4. Record a Personal Impression
Scripture study isn't just about understanding what happened thousands of years ago.
Pay attention to what comes to your mind while you're reading.
Maybe you feel prompted to call someone.
Maybe you suddenly understand something differently.
Maybe a verse brings peace about something you've been worried about.
Write those impressions down.
5. Make a Simple “I Learned…” List
This is especially helpful when you don't know what to journal.
Simply write:
Today I learned…
Then finish the sentence.
That's it.
You may be surprised how much you remember when you take thirty seconds to record it.
6. Write a Prayer
Your scripture journal can also become a place to communicate with Heavenly Father.
After studying, write a short prayer about what you've learned.
Express gratitude.
Ask for help.
Write about something you're trying to understand.
This can turn scripture study into a much more personal experience.
7. Look for Repeated Words
When you notice a word appearing again and again, write it at the top of a page.
Maybe it's:
Faith
Remember
Covenant
Light
Peace
Come
Then record the scriptures where you find it and what you learn along the way.
8. Record a Favorite Quote
Scripture study can include more than scripture verses.
If a General Conference talk, "Come, Follow Me" lesson, devotional, or other gospel resource helps you understand something, record the idea in your journal.
Then write why it mattered to you.
9. Write One Way You'll Apply What You Learned
At the end of your study, ask:
What am I going to do because of what I just read?
Keep the answer simple.
Maybe you'll forgive someone.
Pray differently.
Show more patience.
Spend less time distracted.
Serve someone.
One small action can turn something you studied into something you lived.
10. Leave Room to Come Back
You don't have to finish every journal entry.
Leave some space.
As you learn more, receive another impression, or find another related scripture, come back and add to it.
Your journal doesn't have to be a perfectly organized record.
It can grow right alongside your testimony.
Your Scripture Journal Is for You
There isn't one correct way to journal while studying the scriptures.
Some pages may contain paragraphs.
Others may contain a single sentence.
Some days you may write a lot.
Other days you may write nothing at all.
The purpose isn't to create a beautiful journal.
It's to create a place where you can notice, remember, and return to what the Lord is teaching you.
Start simple.
Open your scriptures.
Open your journal.
And write down one thing.
Make Your Scripture Study More Meaningful
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